Thanksgiving and a Cry for Help
For the choir director. A psalm of David.
1 I waited patiently for the Lord,
and he turned to me and heard my cry for help. 40:1 Ps 27:14; 34:15; 37:7
2 He brought me up from a desolate 40:2 Or watery pit,
out of the muddy clay, 40:2 Ps 69:2,14; Jr 38:6–13
and set my feet on a rock,
making my steps secure. 40:2 Ps 27:5; 37:23
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God. 40:3 Ps 33:3
Many will see and fear,
and they will trust in the Lord. 40:3 Dt 13:11
4 How happy is anyone
who has put his trust in the Lord
and has not turned to the proud
or to those who run after lies! 40:4 Jb 23:11; Ps 84:12
5 Lord my God, you have done many things —
your wondrous works and your plans for us;
none can compare with you.
If I were to report and speak of them,
they are more than can be told. 40:5 Jb 5:9; Ps 71:15; 139:17–18
6 You do not delight in sacrifice and offering;
you open my ears to listen. 40:6 Lit you hollow out ears for me
You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering. 40:6 1Sm 15:22; Ps 51:16; Am 5:22
7 Then I said, "See, I have come;
in the scroll it is written about me. 40:7 Lk 24:44
8 I delight to do your will, my God, 40:8 Ps 119:16,24; Jn 4:34
and your instruction is deep within me." 40:6–8 Ps 119:11; Heb 10:5–9
9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
see, I do not keep my mouth closed 40:9 Lit not restrain my lips —
as you know, Lord. 40:9 Ps 22:22,25
10 I did not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I spoke about your faithfulness and salvation;
I did not conceal your constant love and truth
from the great assembly. 40:10 Ac 20:20
11 Lord, you do not 40:11 Or Lord, do not withhold your compassion from me.
Your constant love and truth will always guard me. 40:11 Ps 36:5; 57:3; 61:7
12 For troubles without number have surrounded me;
my iniquities have overtaken me; I am unable to see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my courage leaves me. 40:12 Ps 38:4; 65:3
13 Lord, be pleased to rescue me;
hurry to help me, Lord. 40:13 Ps 70:1
14 Let those who intend to take my life
be disgraced and confounded.
Let those who wish me harm
be turned back and humiliated. 40:14 Ps 35:4,26; 63:9; 70:2
15 Let those who say to me, "Aha, aha! "
be appalled because of their shame. 40:15 Ps 35:21,25; 70:3
16 Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
let those who love your salvation continually say,
"The Lord is great! " 40:16 Ps 35:27; 70:4
17 I am oppressed and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my helper and my deliverer;
my God, do not delay. 40:17 Ps 86:1; 109:22